Celtic's Asian stars could be set for a fascinating grudge match in June with Japan lined up to play South Korea in a friendly match.

The Hoops currently on;y have Daizen Maeda in the Japanese squad, although manager Hajime Moriyasu is under major pressure to include Celtic hero Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate in his squad after outstanding campaigns this term.

Additionally, defender Yuki Kobayashi is pushing for a call-up having been a mainstay for Japan's Under 20s and midfielder Tomoki Iwata has won four caps.

South Korea boss Jurgen Klinsmann is heading to Scotland this weekend to watch striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, who has scored three goals for Celtic since his January move and played in both of his country's recent friendlies.

And the two Asian superpowers are set to face each other in a match - likely to be in Toyota in Japan - on June 12 as part of the Kirin Cup.

There is another game scheduled for the 20th against as-yet unestablished opponents.

The two countries - who co-hosted the 2002 World Cup - also played last July at Toyota, with Japan running out 3-0 winners.

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou has claimed that derby games are right up Alistair Johnston’s street after the robust Canada international put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 3-2 win over Rangers on Saturday.

Right-back Johnston, who joined the Parkhead club from MLS side Montreal in January, put in an outstanding display full of spirit and determination and a delighted Postecoglou told Celtic’s official website: “I think he’s one that loves a battle and it’s fair to say that he enjoys that side of the game, and a game like that is tailor-made for him.

“He also showed composure at times when we needed it but there’s no doubt he’s got that real competitive edge to him and every team needs players like that, particularly in games like this, and credit to him.

“He’s been with us for about four months and he’s already played in these games three times, so he’s one that will have a very good career for this football club.

“It was obviously a game of great significance for a number of reasons and credit to the players, they found a way to get the result we needed. The game had a bit of everything.

“We had our moments and they were threatening from set-pieces, and causing us some problems, but with this group of players they’ll always find a way”.